SS-31 (Elamipretide)

Overview

What is SS-31 (Elamipretide)?

SS-31, known as elamipretide, is a mitochondria targeted tetrapeptide that binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It received FDA accelerated approval in September 2025 as Forzinity for Barth syndrome, the first approved mitochondria targeted therapeutic.

• Mitochondrial Function
• Cellular Energy
• Oxidative Stress
• Muscle Strength

What the research reports

Benefits of SS-31 (Elamipretide)

Outcomes described across the published SS-31 (Elamipretide) literature and ongoing study. Read each as research context, not a promised result.

1. 01

   Cardiolipin stabilisation

   Binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, restoring the structural integrity that efficient electron transport chain function depends upon.

2. 02

   Approved Barth syndrome use

   Granted FDA accelerated approval in September 2025 to improve muscle strength in Barth syndrome patients weighing at least 30 kilograms. Reported in research settings.

3. 03

   Muscle strength trial data

   The approval rested on improved knee extensor muscle strength (measured by handheld dynamometry) versus natural history controls. The FDA explicitly treated this as a surrogate endpoint only modestly and inconsistently correlated with six-minute walk test results, which is why approval was accelerated rather than full, with a confirmatory trial required.

4. 04

   Oxidative stress reduction

   Preclinical work reports reduced reactive oxygen species production, which follows from improved electron transport chain efficiency. Reported in research settings.

5. 05

   Ongoing indication research

   Studies continue in dry age related macular degeneration and primary mitochondrial myopathy, neither of which is an approved use. Reported in research settings.

Clinical evidence

Clinical evidence and study base

The published record, labeled by strength so you can see what is settled and what is still emerging.

Interactions

How it pairs with other peptides

Epitalon peptide

No known interaction. SS-31 targets mitochondria while epitalon targets telomerase activity.

MOTS-c peptide

Both act on mitochondria by separate routes, one structural and the other through signalling.

NAD+ coenzyme

Both are used for mitochondrial support, though no study has tested them in combination. Confidence: emerging.

Coenzyme Q10

Both act within the electron transport chain, so they are often paired in mitochondrial protocols.